JOLIETTE, Quebec, July 4, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), the Honourable Michel Rivard, Senator, today announced funding for the Festival de Lanaudière.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Festival de Lanaudière, which continues to grow in popularity and attract lovers of classical music from near and far," said Minister Moore. "This gathering expresses all the wealth of the classical music world and contributes to the cultural vitality of the region and all of Quebec."
"The diversity, richness, and originality of classical music are no doubt behind the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend the Festival international de Lanaudière every year," said Minister of State Lebel. "Its success, combined with the $5 million in annual economic spin-offs, has a major impact on the entire region. Through this contribution, Canada Economic Development aims to support Quebec's incredible cultural and artistic vitality and to make our communities more dynamic through tourism development."
"I would like to pay tribute to the work and legacy of the late Father Lindsay, founder of the Festival de Lanaudière. Thanks to him, magnificent concerts are presented not only in the Amphithéâtre de Lanaudière in Joliette, but also in a number of neighbouring communities," said Senator Rivard.
The Festival de Lanaudière promotes the creation, development, and production of top-quality artistic performances presented in unique contexts. The 32nd edition of this international-calibre event, which is taking place this year from July 4 to August 2, provides a showcase for artists from Canada and other countries and offers a program of more than 70 concerts to music lovers in the Lanaudière region, elsewhere in the country, and around the world.
The Government of Canada has provided $300,000 in funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
The Government of Canada has also provided a non-refundable contribution of $306,375 through Canada Economic Development for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 editions of the Festival. These funds, which come from the Community Diversification program, will be used to finance promotional efforts in Canadian and foreign markets.
Stephanie Rea
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
Marie-Claude Lemire
Communications
Canada Economic Development
514-283-2199
marie-claude.lemire@dec-ced.gc.ca
Éric Lefebvre
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)
613-608-7906
eric.lefebvre@dec-ced.gc.ca
